When cultivating Dragon fruit, there are certain things to be considered. The soil is an important aspect that needs to drain well and receive full sun exposure. Raise beds or big containers are good places to plant dragon fruit cacti, and they should always be well-watered, especially in the growing season.
As the plant becomes bigger, use a trellis to support it. Regular pruning helps maintain shape and encourages ventilation. This blog will guide you on how to grow dragon fruit plants and take its proper care.
About Dragon Fruit
The dragon fruit is a fascinating tropical fruit that is becoming more and more well-known all over the world. It has bright pink skin and contrasting white flesh that is dotted with black seeds. This genus of cactus vine, Hylocereus, is grown for its tasty fruit and does well in warm weather conditions.
Dragon fruit, which is high in fiber and antioxidants, may help with digestion, boost immunity, and lower the chance of developing chronic illnesses. Requiring well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight, and regular watering during growth times, cultivation is quite simple.
Regular pruning helps dragon fruit cacti stay disease-free, promote abundant flowering, and stay a manageable size. Compared to seed propagation, which might take years to produce fruit, stem-cutting propagation is a quick and effective technique.
Ripe dragon fruit separates from the stem with a moderate twist, and the outer skin flaps quickly to indicate the harvest window. This expensive fruit is a fascinating addition to any garden or table, especially when combined with the stunning nighttime flowers that the cactus bears.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plant cactus dragon fruit:
Timing
If you are wondering when to plant the dragon fruit, planting should begin in early spring (March–April) to take advantage of the longer growing season (March-August) for the best growth.
Site Selection
Pick a spot that receives full sun to moderate shade and has well-drained soil. Due to their enormous, sprawling vines, dragon fruit cacti require plenty of room. To allow for their growth, keep a 15–25 foot space between them and any nearby buildings, trees, or power lines.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Make a planting hole that is three to four times the nursery container's depth and diameter. This loosens the soil, which promotes root growth. Make sure the soil level in the hole corresponds to the level of the container before inserting the plant.
Plants should be spaced at least 6 feet apart, and their climbing habit should be supported by a robust trellis.
Dragon Fruit Plant Types
Dragon fruit comes in a wide variety of cultivars; estimates indicate that there are about 15 species that have different fruit colors, and there are also a lot of hybrid types that expand the options. Some of the most common are:
American Beauty (Hylocereus guatemalensis): This self-fertile cultivar has bright magenta flesh and red skin accented with green bracts.
Dark Star (Hybrid): A self-fertile cross distinguished by its deep pink exterior and distinct grape flavor originating from the purple meat inside.
David Bowie (Hylocereus undatus): The skin of this self-fertile, self-pollinating cultivar is heavily covered in green bracts, giving it a pinkish-red color. The white flesh has a little lemon flavor.
Purple Haze (Hybrid): A durable grower with traits of self-pollination. The fruit is enormous, with pink skin and green bracts, weighing one to two pounds each. The purple flesh has very few seeds and is incredibly sweet, with overtones of kiwi and grape.
Zamorano (Hybrid): A self-pollinating hybrid with mildly delicious, dark crimson flesh that stands out. Because of its slower growth rate, it is a good plant to use in containers.
The dragon fruit cactus is a plant that grows rapidly in tropical or subtropical climates. Achieving fruit production is the biggest obstacle as it requires proper care and maintenance.
Light Requirements
Dragon fruit grows well in warm climates and gets maximum sun exposure. On the other hand, hot, dry climates where sunlight is too strong may harm the stems. If you often find yourself planting in partial shade (below 38°C), think about doing so.
On the other hand, too much shadow frequently results in less fruit and possibly worse fruit quality.
Soil Considerations
Dragon fruit cacti are remarkably versatile in terms of soil composition and pH.
Making sure the soil is moist, well-draining, and full of organic matter is the main priority.
Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, especially in drier areas.
Watering Regimen
Although dragon fruit can withstand moderate drought, regular irrigation is necessary for maximum fruit production from bloom initiation to harvest.
A major risk factor for fungal infections and root rot is overwatering.
Lower the frequency of watering over the winter and early spring.
Temperature and Humidity Preferences
Dragon fruit plants are native to tropical climates, and they do not do well in freezing conditions, particularly in extended ones.
The temperature range of 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) is ideal for growth.
Fertilization Strategy
Dragon fruit cactus grow quickly and need a lot of nutrition.
Apply a completely balanced fertilizer every two months for the first year, preferably a high-nutrient blend like 20-20-20.
In general, established plants only need to have a few spring and summer fertilizer applications.
Add organic matter or compost to the soil twice a year.
Pollination Considerations
Some dragon fruit cultivars require two or three different cultivars to cross-pollinate and increase fruit yield since they are self-incompatible.
The dragon fruit blossoms bloom at night when pollinators are not around. Moths and bats are usually the ones who pollinate these blooms.
Certain cultivars have flowers that stay open in the early morning, which may help with bee pollination.
Hand pollination between nightfall and dawn is required for self-incompatible cultivars and ensured pollination. Transfer pollen from one variety's stamen to another variety's stigma using a clean cotton swab.
Growing Dragon Fruit Plant in Pots
Choose a small variety, such as Edgar's Baby, Alice, Seoul Kitchen, Yellow Dragon Fruit, or Zamorano, if you want to cultivate a dragon fruit plant in a pot. Use a five-gallon pot with enough drainage holes that is at least 10 to 12 inches deep. To avoid tipping, choose a heavier material, such as terracotta or ceramic.
Instead of using soil designed specifically for cacti, fill the pot with nutrient-rich, neutral to slightly acidic potting soil. Add a layer of stones, bark, or pebbles at the bottom to improve drainage. Given that dragon fruit cacti are climbers, install a strong trellis to provide support.
Make sure the plant gets enough light by placing the pot in a sunny area. To promote growth and fruiting, fertilize the soil once a month with a balanced organic fertilizer and water the soil frequently, making sure it is damp but not soggy.
To preserve shape and ventilation, regularly inspect for pests and prune. Container-grown dragon fruit plants can flourish and produce colorful fruit if given the right care.
Regular pruning is vital for dragon fruit cactus care as it provides numerous benefits. Firstly, it reduces the possibility of pest infestations and fungal illnesses. Tight, unpruned growth can produce a moist microclimate inside the plant, which encourages the growth of these harmful elements.
Second, overcrowding impedes fruit production by limiting light penetration to the center stems. Light may efficiently reach every part of the plant by carefully pruning out extra growth, which will encourage the best possible development of the fruit.
Lastly, pruning promotes profuse blossoming by fostering the growth of new vegetation, which is where flowers usually appear. It also keeps the plant from getting too heavy and maybe toppling the trellis that supports it.
Depending on the plant's maturity, trimming frequency can change. Plan on pruning strategically two or three times a year to remove dead, twisted, or excessively long stems from established dragon fruit cacti. Younger plants might just need one annual pruning session following fruit harvest; they might not need to be pruned as often.
Dragon Fruit Plant Propagation
Compared to seed propagation, stem cuttings are a quick and easy method of growing dragon fruit. It should be noted that growing dragon fruit plants from seeds might take up to seven years to bear fruit, making this a less preferred approach.
This is how to propagate dragon fruit using stem cuttings:
Cutting: Choose a healthy stem piece that measures 10 to 12 inches in length.
Initial Treatment: Make a clean cut in the chosen stem segment and apply a fungicide to the recently cut end to reduce the danger of fungal infection.
Callus Formation: Let the cutting rest in a dry, shaded area for 7 to 10 days. During this time, a callus, or hardened protective layer, will form on the cut end, signaling the start of the root process.
Enhancing Root Development: After the callus has developed, lightly dust the cut end with a rooting hormone to promote root growth. Plant the cutting, calloused end facing downwards, in a container filled with a well-drained potting mix.
Watering and Light Management: Water the newly planted cutting softly and keep the potting mix at a consistent moderate moisture level. Once the cutting has begun to produce roots, gradually move it to a brighter environment. This can be confirmed by gently tugging on the incision; minor resistance suggests root development.
Maturity and Transplanting: The rooting process usually takes 4 to 6 months, after which the cutting has grown a strong root system. The plant is now ready to be transplanted into a larger container or placed immediately in the desired outdoor area.
Dragon fruit harvesting at the right time is a simple method to find out. The way the exterior skin looks is a clear indicator. The bright flaps (also called bracts) that adorn the pink skin of the fruit will start to take on a dried-out or withered appearance as it ripens.
Furthermore, a ripe dragon fruit should twist to easily remove it off the stem. It's crucial to remember that any fruit that has fallen naturally off the vine is probably overripe and may be of lower quality. As a result, harvesting at the right time is essential.
Thankfully, dragon fruit has an extended shelf life of up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Pests and Plant Diseases Prevention
Vigilance and preventive actions are crucial to protecting your dragon fruit crop from pests and predators. Insects like ants, mealybugs, mites, and thrips can infest the plant, although rats, raccoons, and birds may be drawn to the fruit.
Larger animals can be kept out of an area by installing physical barriers like cages or mesh netting, and bugs can be controlled with the use of sticky traps and routine checks.
Significant risks come from diseases including canker and stem rot, which are characterized by reddish-brown, yellowish, or white patches and lesions. These circumstances are frequently caused by inadequate air circulation, overwatering, or not enough sun light.
Apply a proper fungicide and remove infected areas as soon as possible to handle these plant diseases.
Hence, it's important to practice preventive care; make sure your cactus plant dragon fruit gets enough sunlight, regular but moderate watering, and enough ventilation. These methods lessen the vulnerability of plants to disease and assist sustain plant health.
